This summer, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) brings you closer to nature with a range of exciting events, workshops, and other activities to keep everyone engaged and entertained. Much of our programming is absolutely free and family-friendly!
TRCA SUMMER CAMPS
TRCA camps allow kids to explore all that nature has to offer, at great locations across the GTA.
Led by expert instructors, kids can enjoy hands-on experiences, workshops, hikes, animal tracking, and more.
Some locations and dates are already sold out, so be sure to register soon!
TRCA PARKS ARE OPEN!
Celebrate life’s special moments at one of TRCA’s Conservation Parks!
Our beautiful natural spaces offer the perfect backdrop for picnics and other gatherings, with sites offering shelter, water, and/or hydro.
For those seeking a peaceful escape from the city crowds, Albion Hills Campground in Caledon offers a serene retreat from Monday to Thursday.
Book your picnic event or camping adventure today!
Working on your golf swing this summer? Be sure to book some practice time at our driving ranges at Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park and Bathurst Glen Golf Course.
GIRLS CAN TOO
TRCA’s Girls Can Too program is designed to introduce and prepare female-identifying youth for trades-based careers in the environmental sector.
Participants learn a range of hands-on skills while completing valuable projects that contribute to the ecological well-being and sustainability of the community.
Gain experience and confidence while building your resume with Girls Can Too!
VIEW PROGRAM DATES AND REGISTER
VOLUNTEER WITH TRCA
Conservation Youth Corps: In-Stream Work
Join Ontario Streams and TRCA’s Conservation Youth Corps to install in-stream habitat enhancement structures to reduce excess sedimentation caused by land development and to create habitat for aquatic wildlife. These techniques will help protect rivers from the impacts of climate change.
Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: 50 Staples Avenue, Richmond Hill
TRCA Youth Council: Litter Clean Up, Watering, and Maintenance Event
Help keep our natural spaces beautiful by joining TRCA’s Youth Council, in collaboration with CMI Solar, for a morning of stewardship! Participants will work together at Claireville Conservation Area to clean up litter and water plants and help maintain the area for everyone to enjoy.
Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Claireville Conservation Area, 8180 Highway 50, Brampton
Conservation Youth Corps: Pollinator Stewardship
Join TRCA’s Conservation Youth Corps at Amberlea Park help protect and care for the native wildflowers and shrubs that provide habitat for pollinator species!
This event is supported by the City of Pickering.
Date: Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Time: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Amberlea Park, 546 West Norfolk Square, Pickering
FAMILY EXPERIENCES
All About Bats
Bats are fascinating creatures that navigate the world using a built-in sonar system. And guess what? They live in your backyard!
Join us at Claremont Nature Centre for a night of adventure. Enjoy an indoor presentation, then venture out on an evening walk to view and listen for bats.
This event is intended for ages 6+.
Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Time: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Location: Claremont Nature Centre, 4290 Westney Road North, Pickering
Meet the Bees
Experience a day in the life of a beekeeper and meet the honey bees at Claireville Conservation Area.
Participants will be invited to touch, smell, and taste the hive’s different products, see worker bees doing what they do best, and – if you get extra lucky – meet her majesty the queen bee.
This family-friendly program is presented by Alvéole beekeepers in partnership with educators from Claireville.
Date: Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Time: 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Claireville Conservation Area, 8180 Highway 50, Brampton
The Nature School Open House
The Nature School (JK to Grade 6) at Claremont Nature Centre is hosting an open house!
We invite families to come experience what The Nature School is all about. Meet the staff, enjoy outdoor activities, explore our outdoor learning spaces, and experience some forest school activities.
Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Claremont Nature Centre, 4290 Westney Rd N, Pickering
Survival Skills
Learn the basics of survival in this hands-on program. Understand how to build a fire, make shelters, and more.
Date: Saturday, July 20, 2024
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan
ADULT WORKSHOPS
From Milkweed to Monarchs
Did you know that Monarch butterflies migrate 4,800 km to Mexico every fall?
Join TRCA to learn about the special relationship between Monarchs and milkweed, their fascinating transformation from egg to butterfly, and how to get involved in citizen science programs like MilkweedWatch.
Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Time: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Oak Ridges Community Centre, 12895 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill
Buzz on Bees
This workshop offers a close-up look into the lives of these incredible insects! Learn all about bumble bee biology and identification, their role in our environment, and threats to their health.
Learn how to find, collect, and photograph bumble bees, share observations with the scientific community, and more.
Date: Saturday, July 13, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan
Intro to Beekeeping: Summer Hive Check
This workshop is part of a seven-part course that provides information and hands-on opportunities for the beginner beekeeper.
This session will focus on checking hives for diseases and pests and applying treatments.
Date: Saturday, July 20, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan
Heat Pump Workshop
Heat pumps are a great option for eco-friendly home heating. There are many different models available, to suit a variety of homes and budgets.
If you’re curious about how heat pumps work, or want to learn more about the homeowner incentives currently available, please join TRCA and the Town of Ajax for this informative workshop.
Date: Thursday, July 25, 2024
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Ajax Public Library, 55 Harwood Ave South, Ajax
Butterflies of Ontario
This session will cover the life cycles, habitats, and identification of common butterflies of Ontario.
After learning the basic in the classroom, you will head out into the field to observe and identify butterflies in a variety of habitats found at the Kortright Centre for Conservation.
Date: Sunday, July 28, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan